Mother's Day: Making the Thought Count

My mom got upset with me when I told her if I ever got arrested she wouldn’t be my first call to come pick me up from jail. The comment, which was entirely playful since I make it my general goal to stay out of jail, sent my mom into mini-turmoil over the hypothetical scenario of her baby girl having spent a night behind bars and not immediately contacting her mama. “I wouldn’t yell or be angry, I swear,” she said as she pleaded her case, “I just want to know my baby is safe.” 

This is why my mother is such a pain to shop for. She rarely wants for anything other than the peace of mind that her family is safe. I appreciate my mom for this most days out of the year but on Mothers Day, sending a card that says, “I’m safe!” or showing up on her door step and saying, “Look! I made it in one piece!” doesn’t seem to be enough.

Aside from the popular “flowers, card and candy” gifts, below are some gift ideas that are also quick and simple, but have a special just-for-mom touch. 

Picture Perfect 

I am a big fan of candid photos. The posed ones that circulate after a get-together are always nice, but I love my secret stockpile of my family just being themselves.

If you have a meaningful photo treasure of your own, consider framing it for your mom. is one of my go-to places to look for affordable, unique frames, but , and have options as well. 

Jot a note about the photo, what it means to you, or why you appreciate your mother in general, and tuck this note behind the photo in the frame. The next time you’re talking to your mother and she mentions missing you tell her to go check behind the frame for a sweet surprise. 

If your mom is the type that takes tons of pictures leaving you without an original one to give her, you can still avoid gifting an empty frame. Consider a goofy temporary photo that she’d get a kick out of. I once used a picture of Hugh Laurie, from the T.V show “House,” in a frame I gave to someone who had a love for the show. 

Go-Go Gasoline 

Admittedly, gasoline is probably not what you think of when you reflect on your mother. It also may not seem like the most heartfelt gift. However, if you’re really in need of a last minute idea then work with me here. 

With fuel prices breaching four dollars per gallon most people are feeling the pinch at the pump. Gas gift cards are available at most gas stations and can really be appreciated, even by moms. 

To make the seemingly generic gesture more mom friendly give the card with a funny apology note taking responsibility for the high prices because of all the driving you required from her when you were a kid. Here’s an example you may choose to use: 

Mom,

You were always there to be my ride

Practices and appointments you were by my side.

You drove me all around while I only drove you crazy,

I got to lounge in the backseat and enjoy being lazy.

I fear I may have made you drive way too much

Using so much gas making the prices as such.

Please show forgiveness and enjoy your next trip on me

You’ve taught me your love has no cost, but not everything’s free.

Instant Mom Day Replay 

Being a mom is a 24/7 job, and although it’s nice to recognize this one day a year, sometimes mom’s need reassurance that they’re doing a good job outside of a day in May. 

This year at your Mother’s Day get-together privately pull aside each guest and ask them to record the reason that they think your mom is so great. You can even interview your mom about what she loves most about being a mother. If you don’t have a camcorder, most digital cameras now come with a built-in video recording feature. 

Take the footage you get of everyone’s kind words and compile it into a homemade DVD. This gift will come a bit late, but it makes a little mom-boost available for your mother whenever she may need it. This is also a nice idea if you don’t live close to your mother, allowing her to see your sweet face anytime she chooses!